Unics Kazan also wins the second game in VTB semi-finals

Unics Kazan beat Lokomotiv Kuban 79-69 in the second game of the VTB semi-final series.

The teams traded blows in the first half and kept each other in check. The second quarter was also an even fight. The difference between the two teams was never more than three points. Lokomotiv led much of the quarter, with Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Drew Gordon leading the way with a combined 24 points. As a result, by halftime, the teams were separated by just one shot, made by Loko guard Nigel Williams-Goss: 44-42.

In the third quarter, Unics Kazan came out charging. Thanks to their import players, UNICS seized the initiative and gradually began to pull away. By the end of the quarter, Kazan even had a double-digit lead (65-57).

Lokomotiv Krasnodar cut the lead to one shot, 65-67. But that was the home team’s maximum. UNICS had no intention of giving up the game. The visitors came out on defense, while Jamar Smith and Okaro White scored on offense, making the score 73-65. Loko’s final attempt to save the game was marred by their own mistakes. Kevin Hervey and Mindaugas Kuzminskas committed three straight turnovers in the closing minutes, after which the game was decided.

The series moved to Kazan, 2-0 in favor of UNICS. Kazan needs only one win in their next three games to advance to the final.